Effect of Resistance Training With Total and Partial Blood Flow Restriction on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Untrained Men

Introduction: The characterization of immune and oxidative stress responses to acute and chronic exercise training is important because it may aid in the safety and dose–response prescription of resistance training (RT) in many populations.

Purpose: The present study compared changes in acute oxidative stress and markers of apoptosis in immune cells before and after 8 weeks of low-load RT with total or partial blood flow restriction (BFR) versus high-load traditional RT.

Methods: Twenty-seven untrained men were randomly divided into three groups: traditional RT [75% one-repetition maximum (1-RM)], RT with partial (20% 1-RM), and total BFR (20% 1-RM). Over an 8-week period, participants performed six sets of arm curls until failure with 90 seconds of recovery for 3 days/week. Blood samples were obtained before and after the first and last training sessions.

Results: Data indicated that all training groups showed similar increases in muscular strength (p < 0.001), reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) after exercise in neutrophils (p < 0.001), and increase in caspase-3 activity after exercise (p < 0.001). Traditional RT and total BFR showed increased plasma lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001) and protein carbonyls (p < 0.001) and lower levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.001) after exercise. No change was observed in oxidative stress biomarkers in response to partial BFR (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Data show that RT with partial BFR can increase muscular strength but still does not augment biomarkers of oxidative stress in untrained men. In addition, RT with total BFR promoted similar responses of oxidative stress and markers of immune cell apoptosis versus traditional RT.

The Goal Scale: A New Instrument to Measure the Perceived Exertion in Soccer (Indoor, Field, and Beach) Players

The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) can be used to monitor the exercise intensity during laboratory and specific tests, training sessions, and to estimate the internal training load of the athletes. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a specific pictorial perceived exertion scale for soccer players (indoor, field, and beach soccer) called GOAL Scale. The pictorial GOAL Scale (six drawings; 1 “low exertion” to 6 “exhaustion”) was validated for twenty under-17 soccer players (16.4 ± 0.68 years; 175.4 ± 9 cm; 66.4 ± 7.7 kg; % fat mass 12.4 ± 3.3). In the validation phase, the athletes were evaluated in a progressive protocol involving stimuluses of 3 min with 1 min for the rest into the stages until the voluntary exhaustion in Maximal Cardiopulmonary Effort Test (MCET), and in the Yo Yo Intermittent Recovery Test – Level 1 (Yo-Yo). The RPE identified by the GOL Scale, by the Borg Scale 6 – 20 and by the Cavasini Scale, as well as the heart rate (HR), perceptual of the heart rate (%HR_max) and the blood lactate concentration ([La]) were immediately evaluated after each stage of both tests. Spearman’s correlation coefficient (p < 0.05) was used. Construct scale validity was examined by regressing GOAL Scale against Borg Scale 6 – 20 and Cavasini Scale and concurrent scale validity was investigated by regressing GOAL Scale against HR, beats/min and blood lactate concentration (mmol/L) during two progressive tests. There was a significant correlation values of the GOAL Scale with Borg Scale (r = 0.93; r = 0.88), Cavasini Scale (r = 0.91; r = 0.90), %HR_max (r = 0.91; r = 0,86), HR (r = 0.87; r = 0.83) and lactate (r = 0.68; r = 0.83) during tests (Maximal Incremental Cardiopulmonary Test and Yo-Yo test, respectively). The results evidenced concurrent and construct validity of the GOAL Scale across a wide range of exercise intensity. The absence of verbal anchors makes the use of this instrument to soccer, futsal and beach soccer athletes of different languages and different literacy levels possible.

Comparison of perceptual responses between different upper-body sprint interval exercise protocols

This study examined the perceptual responses to various upper-body sprint interval exercise (SIE) protocols matched for total work and work/rest ratio. Fourteen active men (24 ± 4 years, BMI = 26.2 ± 2.7 kg/m², body fat = 11.5 ± 4.4%) participated in 3 all-out SIE protocols consisting of battling rope exercise: P10:30 (12 × 10-s bouts with 30-s recovery); P15:45 (8 × 15-s bouts with 45 s recovery); and P30:90 (4 × 30-s bouts with 90-s recovery). During exercise, affective valence (FS +5 to -5), arousal (FAS 1-6), rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6-20), and heart rate (HR) were assessed. Post-exercise, enjoyment, self-efficacy, and intentions were measured. Results revealed a significant decline in FS (p = .02; partial eta squared [η²_p] = 0.27) and a progressive increase in FAS (p = .001; η²_p = 0.86), RPE (p = .001; η²_p = 0.88), and HR (p = .001; η²_p = 0.94), but no protocol X time interaction. Affective valence reached a nadir at values equal to -0.36 ± 3.41 (Cohen's d = -0.49), -0.43 ± 3.75 (Cohen's d = -0.44), and - 0.93 ± 3.49 (Cohen's d = -0.56) in response to P10:30, P15:45, and P30:90, respectively. There were no differences between protocols for enjoyment, intention, or self-efficacy. A negative relationship exhibited between FS and RPE was moderated by participants' tolerance of exercise intensity (β = 1.84, p < .05). Further, the association between FS and future intention was mediated by self-efficacy. Overall, upper-body SIE protocols exhibit similar perceptual responses when volume and work to rest ratio (1:3) are matched. Tolerance of exercise intensity may be used to predict changes in FS during SIE.

Effects of chronic resveratrol supplementation in military firefighters undergo a physical fitness test--a placebo-controlled, double blind study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma metabolic response and certain indicators of oxidative stress (antioxidant system and oxidative stress biomarkers) in plasma and erythrocytes of Brazilian military firefighters supplemented or not with resveratrol (RES) for 90 days (100 mg/day). The analyses were performed before and after a typical physical fitness test (FT) used to induce oxidative stress.

METHODS/RESULTS

In this placebo-controlled double-blinded study, we observed that RES supplementation did not present hepatic consequences compared with the placebo group following analysis of AST, ALT and GGT plasma activities. Plasma glucose and triglycerides levels were increased after the FT in firefighters supplemented with RES but were not elevated at baseline. Neither total nor cholesterol fractions were modified by RES supplementation. CK levels were increased after the firefighters performed the FT; however, no differences were determined between the placebo and RES groups. Ferric-reducing ability of plasma as well as uric acid was increased after the FT, but was not modified by RES supplementation. Plasma oxidative stress biomarkers, such as thiol content, 8-isoprostane and 8OHdG, showed no modifications, while IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased in the RES group after the FT. Among antioxidant enzyme activities determined in erythrocytes from the firefighters, only GPx activity was reduced by RES supplementation both before and after the FT.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the most pronounced effect of RES supplementation is its anti-inflammatory effect, which reduced IL-6 and TNF-α level. The FT applied to Brazilian military firefighters was not sufficient to challenge the antioxidant defense systems, and, therefore, 100mg of RES for three months did not induce significant effects.

Combined astaxanthin and fish oil supplementation improves glutathione-based redox balance in rat plasma and neutrophils

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of daily (45 days) intake of fish oil (FO; 10mg EPA/kg body weight (BW) and 7 mg DHA/kg BW) and/or natural ASTA (1mg ASTA/kg BW) on oxidative stress and functional indexes of neutrophils isolated from Wistar rats by monitoring superoxide (O(2)(-)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and nitric oxide (NO()) production compared to the progression of auto-induced lipid peroxidation and Ca(2+) release in activated neutrophils. Furthermore, phagocytic capacity, antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione-recycling system, and biomarkers of lipid and protein oxidation in neutrophils were compared to the redox status. Our results show evidence of the beneficial effects of FO+ASTA supplementation for immune competence based on the redox balance in plasma (significant increase in GSH-dependent reducing power), non-activated neutrophils (increased activity of the glutathione-recycling enzymes GPx and GR) and PMA-activated neutrophils (lower O(2)(-), H(2)O(2), and NO() generation, reduced membrane oxidation, but higher phagocytic activity). Combined application of ASTA and FO promoted hypolipidemic/hypocholesterolemic effects in plasma and resulted in increased phagocytic activity of activated neutrophils when compared with ASTA or FO applied alone. In PMA-activated neutrophils, ASTA was superior to FO in exerting antioxidant effects. The bulk of data reinforces the hypothesis that habitual consumption of marine fish (e.g. salmon, which is a natural source of both astaxanthin and fish oil) is beneficial to human health, in particular by improving immune response and lowering the risk of vascular and infectious diseases.

Combined fish oil and astaxanthin supplementation modulates rat lymphocyte function

PURPOSE

Higher intakes of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are abundant in marine fishes have been long described as a "good nutritional intervention" with increasing clinical benefits to cardiovascular health, inflammation, mental, and neurodegenerative diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of daily fish oil (FO-10 mg EPA/kg body weight (BW) and 7 mg DHA/kg BW) intake by oral gavage associated with the antioxidant astaxanthin (ASTA-1 mg/kg BW) on the redox metabolism and the functional properties of lymphocytes from rat lymph nodes.

METHODS

This study was conducted by measurements of lymphocyte proliferation capacity, ROS production [superoxide (O₂(•-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)], nitric oxide (NO(•)) generation, intracellular calcium release, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, activities of major antioxidant enzymes, GSH/GSSG content, and cytokines release.

RESULTS

After 45 days of FO + ASTA supplementation, the proliferation capacity of activated T- and B-lymphocytes was significantly diminished followed by lower levels of O₂(•-), H₂O₂ and NO(•) production, and increased activities of total/SOD, GR and GPx, and calcium release in cytosol. ASTA was able to prevent oxidative modification in cell structures through the suppression of the oxidative stress condition imposed by FO. L: -selectin was increased by FO, and IL-1β was decreased only by ASTA supplementation.

CONCLUSION

We can propose that association of ASTA with FO could be a good strategy to prevent oxidative stress induced by polyunsaturated fatty acids and also to potentiate immuno-modulatory effects of FO.

ROS production in neutrophils from alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated in vivo with astaxanthin

BACKGROUND

Astaxanthin (ASTA) is a carotenoid which has powerful antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. The present study investigated the effect of daily ASTA intake on oxidative stress and the functional properties of neutrophils from alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Neutrophils isolated from ASTA-fed rats (30days, 20mg ASTA/kg of body weight - BW) induced to diabetes by alloxan treatment (i.p. 75mg/BW) were assessed by: production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, basal calcium release, oxidative damage (TBARS and carbonyls content), and activities of major antioxidant enzymes.

RESULTS

Our results show that diabetes promotes a significant oxidative stress in neutrophils. The production of superoxide was significantly increased in neutrophils from diabetic rats and treatment with ASTA was not effective in reducing superoxide levels. At the same time, a reduction in the activity of total superoxide dismutase enzyme was observed, which was not restored after treatment with ASTA. At resting conditions, neutrophils have a higher basal production of hydrogen peroxide, which is enhanced following PMA-stimulation. Treatment with ASTA does not restore values to the basal levels. The indicators of oxidative damage to biomolecules showed that diabetic rats significantly increased the lipid and protein damage, but this change was reversed after treatment with ASTA.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that diabetes condition promotes a marked oxidative stress in neutrophils and treatment with ASTA for 30days at a dose of 20mg/kg of BW partially reverses those deleterious effects.

Astaxanthin ameliorates the redox imbalance in lymphocytes of experimental diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome of impaired insulin secretion/sensitivity and frequently diagnosed by hyperglycemia, lipid abnormalities, and vascular complications. The diabetic 'glucolipotoxicity' also induces immunodepression in patients by redox impairment of immune cells. Astaxanthin (ASTA) is a pinkish-orange carotenoid found in many marine foods (e.g. shrimp, crabs, salmon), which has powerful antioxidant, photoprotective, antitumor, and cardioprotective properties. Aiming for an antioxidant therapy against diabetic immunodepression, we here tested the ability of prophylactic ASTA supplementation (30 days, 20 mg ASTA/kg BW) to oppose the redox impairment observed in isolated lymphocytes from alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The redox status of lymphocytes were thoroughly screened by measuring: (i) production of superoxide (O(2)(-)), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)); (ii) cytosolic Ca(2+); (iii) indexes of oxidative injury; and (iv) activities of major antioxidant enzymes. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of ASTA in plasma of ASTA-fed/diabetic rats were apparently reflected in the circulating lymphocytes, since lower activities of catalase, restored ratio between glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities and lower scores of lipid oxidation were concomitantly measured in those immune cells. Noteworthy, lower production of NO and O(2)(-) (precursors of peroxynitrite), and lower cytosolic Ca(2+) indicate a hypothetical antiapoptotic effect of ASTA in diabetic lymphocytes. However, questions are still open regarding the proper ASTA supplementation dose needed to balance efficient antioxidant protection and essential NO/H(2)O(2)-mediated proliferative capacities of diabetic lymphocytes.

Phenanthrene decreases neutrophil function by disrupting intracellular redox balance

The aim of the present work was to evaluate whether the treatment of human neutrophils with phenanthrene (PHN) can alter the phagocytic and microbicidal capacity of these cells by causing a disruption in redox balance. Peripheral neutrophils from healthy subjects were treated for up to 24 h with increasing concentrations of phenanthrene. Phagocytic/microbicidal activities, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative lesions (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and protein thiol and carbonyl groups) and redox signaling compounds (intracellular Ca(2+), superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide) were monitored on neutrophils exposed to 10 microg PHN ml(-1). Cell viability decreased abruptly at PHN concentrations above 10 microg ml(-1) (LC50 = 20.86 +/- 0.51 microg ml(-1) and p-sigmoidal slope = 19.88 +/- 10.11). Phagocytic and microbicidal capacities were decreased by 60 and 82%, respectively. Substantial increases in total-/Mn-SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities (by 61, 15, 87, 245 and 70%, respectively) matched the oxidative injury obtained in TBARS (2.5-fold higher) and protein thiol (54% lower). Diminished productions of superoxide by 18% and hydrogen peroxide by 29% were observed in association to exacerbated calcium (27%) and nitric oxide (63%) levels. The data indicate that phenanthrene might be associated with substantial reduction in human neutrophil functions due to severe intracellular redox imbalances.